Differential compensation for rain-related deaths criticised

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) differential compensation package for rain-related deaths has come under fire from Opposition leaders who said the civic authority's policy should be more equitable.

They criticised the fact that the family of Sanjana Singh (17), who died in a wall collapse, was given Rs. 1 lakh while that of Shilpa (7), killed last Sunday when a concrete block fell on her, got only half that. Moreover Garudacharpalya Councillor N. Pillappa had given them Rs. 20,000 of his own money.

Leader of Opposition M. Nagaraj said both should have been paid the same amount. “Both families have lost a child. Why should one get less compensation than the other?”

He said the compensation amount should be upped. “It is time to revise it; we will table it for discussion in the next Council meeting.”

Mayor S.K. Nataraj said he would look into the possibility of giving another Rs. 50,000 as compensation to Shilpa's family.

Meanwhile, a BBMP source said according to a government circular, the civic authority can only give Rs. 50,000 to victims of natural calamities and Rs. 1 lakh to others. In case of any rain-related death, the BBMP has to take the Mayor's or Commissioner's permission.

“In this particular case, the BBMP was directly involved, which is why a compensation of Rs. 1 lakh was given to Sanjana's family,” the source added.